Hi all
I have a 92 ace 2.0td auto. I have had the van for 3mths now and no leaks or probs. Having checked the water its a brown colour, it runs ok having just done 1500 miles in two days, it never went over half on the gauge but i would like to flush out and replace with a 50/50 mix.
but i can't see any drain plugs on the rad.
what is the best way of removing the water ?
many thanks

- (#8589) Dave, 20 May 03 16:23

Hello Dave,

It is sometimes best to check the archives at 'Ace Answers', before posting a new thread but to quote David Miller, 9th October 2001

"The front rad drain will not empty the whole system, it connects partway up the main rad. best way to drain is probably to pull off the bottom hose at the thermostat (under the expansion tank) - David Miller, 9 Oct 01"

Mark

- (#8590) Mark, 21 May 03 1:00

There is a white plastic drain plug on the vertical rad and it is accessible from underneath - it's at the RHS. However unless you've seen it before it may be hard to locate.

- (#8591) Ian Dunse, 21 May 03 1:35

Can I add to Mark's excellent advice with the comment that, if your vehicle is a 2 wheel drive, you might not have the second radiator but, the advice re the bottom, return hose, is good for both types of system. The main,(or only rad) does have a drain plug but,it is very difficult to get at and is best left alone. These cooling systems are complex, with feeds to two heaters, oil cooler and turbo etc. Yes, the best way is to "break" the hose joint at the bottom, return hose. If the engine has not been flushed for a long time, it pays to flush the system 2 or 3 times, with a hose or watering can in the filler neck, running quite fast. There are benefits, ie, to remove the sludge from the bottom of the radiator by "back flushing", ie, the hose pushing water, fairly gently, back through the bottom hose then, changing the flow by inserting the hose into the filler neck. It's a fairly messy business but, will have great benefits in ensuring that the system is free of sludge.
An important thing to remember is that, when finally refilling, make sure that this is done very slowly, ie, take around five minutes to completely refill the system and add small amounts of coolant at intervals. This ensures that the air, which gets trapped in the pipework of this complex system, can be pushed out and not get trapped by the inrush of a lot of water/coolant

- (#8592) John Davis, 21 May 03 1:47

Many thanks guys i will be it this weekend

- (#8593) Dave, 21 May 03 2:19